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Helen is deputy news editor and covers UK policy and politics. She joined Times Higher Education in March 2024 as a reporter covering Asia. She previously reported on international education and has written for publications including the Daily Mirror and Cosmopolitan. She holds an MA in international journalism.
Articles by Helen Packer
Alarm that immigration targets may trump universities’ pleas as government mulls new policies
Institutions mustn’t let diversity efforts go backwards as funding crisis grows, vice-chancellor says
Tariffs and further economic barriers only likely to drive spend on science and technology higher, analysts predict, amid hopes innovation can kickstart recovery
Pilot and engineer training provider suddenly enters administration after operating for 90 years, with most courses ending immediately
University forging ahead with overseas expansion plans as financial challenges build at home
University handed record fine over free speech breaches claims ruling gives ‘free rein’ to racists and sexists
Former banker who chaired last funding review says recommendation that fees be frozen ‘taken too far’
‘Lingering doubts’ over future of higher-level opportunities adds to anxiety for institutions that have become more financially reliant on levy money
OfS’ free speech director tells institutions to ensure they are meeting ‘regulatory obligations’ after Sussex fine
OfS finding that university failed to uphold its free speech duties prompts others into reviewing policies that some believe were ‘copied and pasted’
Sending students abroad has become a priority for policymakers, but can they convince Japan’s youth?
Shadow skills minister calls for end to post-study work visa and denounces changes to apprenticeship funding as he settles in to new role
Now-closed private provider also documented education students working in cafes, clothes shops and building firms as part of their course
Union urges senior management to rule out compulsory redundancies following cash injection
All four major English-speaking study destinations hit as students increasingly look for other options, according to new government figures
Warnings lack of independence could stifle new government body as it attempts to unite sector to tackle skills gaps
Leaders warn that over-regulation could shut down provision entirely after fraud connected to partnership agreements comes under the spotlight again
Attempts to establish alternatives to Gift City and Delhi bring new incentives for global universities but some fear such investment will heighten inequalities
OfS defends ‘thorough’ investigation that legal expert says leaves institutions ‘without clear guidance’
China’s ambition to lead the world in AI is far from unique. Yet its resources, talent and coordination of higher education and industry could just give it the edge, especially as Donald Trump’s policies diminish the US’ allure to top talent. Helen Packer and Futao Huang report
Vice-chancellor calls regulator’s investigation ‘Kafkaesque’ as probe into departure of Kathleen Stock finally concludes
Winner of 2025 Holberg Prize rejects vocational focus of education and ‘trivialisation’ of humanities
External team to investigate why financial concerns that have led to more than 600 planned job losses were not raised sooner
American applicants help to drive growing international interest in Chinese partnership institutions
